Nathan Cleverly underlined his credentials as Wales' brightest young boxing talent as he added the British title to his Commonwealth crown in 2009.

Those wins took his record to 18 victories, with eight knock-outs, in as many fights, the last five ending in impressive stoppages

The light-heavyweight, from Cefn Fforest in the borough of Caerphilly claimed a thrilling seven-round win over Danny McIntosh at the York Hall in July, defending it against Courtney Fry at the same venue in October.

Cleverly stopped McIntosh in the seventh round and knocked out Fry in the eighth.

Those wins took his record to 18 victories, with eight knock-outs, in as many fights, the last five ending in impressive stoppages that have convinced the likes of Barry McGuigan that the Welshman can reach the top.

Cleverly, 22, has now set his sights on the European Crown.

He is scheduled to fight ex-holder Antonio Brancalion in the Italian's home town of Rovigo on Friday, 29 January.

Victory for Cleverly could also open the door to a potential world title shot in 2010 as he continues to show that he is one of Wales' brightest boxing hopes since former undefeated two-weight world champion Joe Calzaghe retired earlier in 2009.

Also in 2009 Cleverly was pipped by just one vote to the award of 'Young Boxer of Year' by the prestigious Boxing Writer's Club with Kell Brook taking the honour. It was the closest vote in the award's 57-year history.

Outside the ring, Cleverly is studying for a degree in mathematics at Cardiff University.

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